Frequent Questions

Tests to determine RCRA characteristic of toxicity

What tests can be used to determine whether a waste exhibits the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) characteristic of toxicity?

In 1990, EPA replaced the extraction procedure test for determining whether wastes exhibit the toxicity characteristic with the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP). Currently, a waste is considered toxic if an extract obtained from a sample of the waste using the TCLP contains any of 25 organic constituents listed in the regulation in concentrations at or above specified levels. Wastes that exhibit the RCRA toxicity characteristic are automatically RCRA hazardous wastes and, therefore, CERCLA hazardous substances.